Pledges of support for a new tree at Scartho roundabout are sprouting up throughout the village.

A landscape firm has pledged to buy a new tree and has arranged for a tree specialist to plant it.

As well as specialists offering their support to the campaign to get a tree to replace the diseased cherry tree axed in November, a number of businesses have pledged cash towards the upkeep of the tree.

The roundabout has been left bare after council contractors removed the diseased cherry tree in November.

The removal was accompanied with a promise that a substantial tree would be put in its place.

Councillor Henry Hudson talks through the options for a tree to replace the one cut down in Scartho last year.

But Scartho ward councillor, Henry Hudson, Ukip, told the Grimsby Telegraph the cost of planting a substantial tree and watering it for the first three months of its life could be prohibitive at a time when council chiefs are cutting back on services.

Following the Grimsby Telegraph article, Christopher Smith of Lindsey Garden Products of Wilton Road, Humberston pledged to buy a new tree.

He said Lindsey Tree Services of New Waltham would plant it.

Mr Smith said the cost of a new tree could be between £300 and £400 depending on the type of tree that was requested by residents.

Workers cut down the tree on the Scartho fork roundabout, at the junction with Louth Road, Scartho Road and Waltham Road (Image: Rick Byrne)

He said: “It would be nice to see something back on that corner.

“I love on Louth Road and will get a new tree. The council had offered to put in a new tree. But I think they are running out of funds.

“If we put it in I hope the council will maintain it. I would get a contained tree so it should establish quite quickly. We are happy to work with the council and their tree officer, if someone can specify what tree is required.”

One resident was concerned that the soil on the roundabout may be contaminated from the diseased cherry tree.

Scartho WI will have a meeting next month to decide if funds would be available towards the landscaping of the roundabout and local businesses Brown’s family butchers and Bayswater salon have pledged cash.

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Scartho ward councillor and Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Ron Shepherd said he had taken advice from council officials in November when the pledge was made to replace the tree on the roundabout.

The beloved cherry tree on Scartho roundabout has been cut down by North East Lincolnshire Council. Pictured is charge hand, Pete Redgrift, grounds maintenance worker, Matthew O'Sullivan and arborists Adie Weatherill and Phil Smith

“There are four options which will be discussed in May. The planting season can only be at the back end of the year, so there has been no decision until we have had our meeting in May. That is a diary date,” said Councillor Shepherd.

He added: “People are getting used to it not being there. Businesses in Scartho will support the price of a tree so there will be a tree.

“It is up to the residents what type of tree there is . An acer will not need so much looking after.”

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman said no decision has been made about the future of planting on the roundabout.